17 Simple Ways to Take Care of Yourself during the Holidays

Dr. Robyn Restrepo, Family Medicine Physician at Mission Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, loves to see and treat her patients, but what thrills her most is their attentive self-care for optimum health.

“The season is upon us,” she says, “And while there’s no evidence the holidays cause more illness, people are more susceptible to health problems, particularly after the holidays if they don’t get enough rest and practice self-care December and January.”

Here is her list of suggestions for holiday survival, flu-free.

Dr. Robyn Restrepo’s Take-Care-of-Yourself Holiday Guide

1. Keep things simple.
2. Do the things that relax you. Take a break from screen-time:

Listen to your favorite music

Cuddle to excess with kids and pets and spouses

Call a friend, preferably a low-key, up-chick kind of friend

Write in your journal

Doodle

3. With all the talk about mindfulness, take five minutes of mindlessness to re-boot your brain.
4. Get a massage. To learn more about Massage at Mission, call MyHealthyLife™ Wellness Services at (828) 213-8250.
5. Get shopping done early.
6. Exercise daily. Hiking, Yoga, dancing, workout at gym, walking.
7. Laugh, laugh, laugh.
8. Hygiene:

For additional info about wellness, check-ups, and self-care, contact Dr. Restrepo: (828) 526-4346. Learn more about services and care with Highlands-Cashiers Hospital at missionhealth.org/highlandscashiers[1].